Jack looked to the bright sky above his head. Tears streamed down his face.

The in-game chat, the streaming chat, the Internet Browser. All outside-world apps and mods he could use. All opened, but losing contact with the outside world, one at a time.

Except it didn’t happen with the use of the User Interface this time. Jack did it with his willpower and desire. As a dragon, and, above all, as the Dragon King, the old User Interface could be used by the use of magic, as long as he allowed his mind to look for the small streams of code.

He could feel Shabes’ Will lurking in the whole world. Every piece of Code, every Information Package had some of the old Squeam Owner.

And through this Will, when connecting it with his own, Jack could convey old User Interface Commands to become active again.

He wasn’t the only one.

Those with high magical skills, those with blessed races from birth. All had this kind of skill, and many were now trying desperately to keep contact with their loved ones.

***

Elicia watched, with bathed breath, as the connection with her mother-in-law and daughter was cut.

She could take it no more and cried copiously.

Another World was quickly becoming populated by hundreds upon hundreds of real-world “escapees”.

And the real world, of course, wouldn’t allow for such.

One by one, all outside-world communication devices were cut out by the outside world.

- I will find a way, don’t worry!

Her mother-in-laws’ words pierced her hearth once more. What was the chance? The chance that those like them would be allowed to see those they loved again?

***

Marcus woke side-by-side with his in-game NPC harem. The NPCs now frightened him. Had them weird life in their eyes?

Or was it because he was dead?

He didn’t want to believe it. Not that he was dead. He ran and, shouting desperately, hid on his Treasure Trove. He didn’t know what to do anymore.

***

Demon King Meredith exchanged words with her lover once more. Promises of love but, also, understanding.

“5 years” - she said - “If we can’t see each-other in five years, you can go on”.

Misery, departure and loneliness.

Poor of those who, after dying, lived still.

End of Book 1.